Classical WETA Opera House

Saturdays on Classical WETA 90.9 FM

Classical WETA is Washington's home for opera year round.

Classical WETA is Washington's home for opera year round. From December through May, experience the power and passion of the Metropolitan Opera. The rest of the year features performances from leading opera houses around the world, including Washington National Opera.

Upcoming broadcasts

The Tales of Hoffman

LA Opera

Saturday, August 19, 2017 - 1:00pm

Composer:

JACQUES OFFENBACH

Conductor:

Plácido Domingo

Based on stories by the real life poet, E.T.A. Hoffman, the opera's Hoffman recounts tales of women who have captured his heart - a wind up doll Olympia, conniving Giulietta, fragile Antonia and elusive Stella. In this boozy half remembered, half fantasy dreamworld, a quartet of villains foils Hoffman's pursuit of romance; but the poet is saved by his art. Drama, comedy, memorable melodies and Vittorio Grigolo as Hoffman.

The Barber of Seville

LA Opera

Saturday, August 26, 2017 - 1:00pm

Composer:

GIOACHINO ROSSINI

Conductor:

James Conlon

Dashing Count Almaviva has lost his heart to the spunky Rosina, whose doddering guardian is determined to marry her himself. It's Figaro to the rescue, as the resourceful barber conjures up wacky schemes and strategies to unite the young lovers. Rossini's razor-sharp wit shines through every scene of this delicious comedy, one of the most playful and popular of all opera.

The Marriage of Figaro

LA Opera

Saturday, September 2, 2017 - 1:00pm

Composer:

WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART

Conductor:

James Conlon

The wily barber and part-time matchmaker has finally fallen in love, but--like everything else in Figaro's life--it's complicated. On the eve of Figaro’s marriage to Susanna, Count Almaviva’s wandering eye has landed on the lovely bride-to-be. From the breathless opening notes of the overture to the touching finale, Mozart’s comic masterpiece bucks the conventions of his time to deliver an ageless message of love and forgiveness.

Previous broadcasts

Macbeth

LA Opera

Saturday, August 12, 2017 - 1:00pm

Composer:

GIUSEPPE VERDI

Conductor:

Sir Andrew Davis

In Giuseppe Verdi's take on Shakespeare's tragedy, there's as much power hungry blind ambition as House of Cards; as much murderous intrigue and conflict as Game of Thrones; and Placido Domingo's Macbeth," is a sonic powerhouse". L.A. Daily News

Tannhäuser

Lyric Opera of Chicago

Saturday, August 5, 2017 - 1:00pm

Composer:

RICHARD WAGNER

Conductor:

Sir Andrew Davis

Love a saintly woman or love with wild bacchanalian abandon seduced by the goddess Venus? Tannhäuser is torn between moral purity and carnal delights; then seeks a path to repentance and forgiveness. From the stirring Overture, the frenzied Venusburg music, affecting Song to the Evening Star and the Pilgrims Chorus, a performance Opera News called "gloriously sung", starring the renowned South African tenor Johan Botha.

Connect with WETA

WETA Television and Classical WETA 90.9 FM are community-based public broadcasting stations serving the Washington area and supported by listeners and viewers. WETA is also a major producing station for PBS.